Roof maintenance and repairs are two things that everyone that owns a homeowner. The trouble is that people don’t know what to do when it comes to roofing so that the fundamentals and best practices involved in keeping a roof in great shape. You should keep reading to learn more about roofing and make sure you are properly taking care of your roof lasts a long time by following the tips shared in this article.
You shouldn’t put off replacing shingles. You might think it’s okay to wait on fixing something, however, the damage will worsen over time. By immediately replacing your shingles, you can save a lot of money and problems in the future. If your roof is properly maintained, it will last quite a while.
Look over your roof at least once a year.Roofs tend to suffer the most damage in the spring time.
Fix any and all leaks on the first try. This refers to the fact that you do not stop with only a single spot causing the issue. Look at the complete roof, and you may see that the leak is a result of numerous problems.
Wear rubber boots when you need to get on your roof.
When you find a contractor, make sure they are covered by liability insurance. First of all, there are plenty of shady roofers out there, but the ability to carry valid liability insurance is beyond most of them. If something does happen, their insurance will cover the bills.
Make sure that you’re safely secured properly every time you need to go on your roof.
Make sure your roofer has insurance. If you hire a roofer that is not insured, you will be financially responsible if there is any property damage. Don’t just ask prospective roofing contractors if they have insurance, have them provide the insurance documents saying that it is comprehensive and current.
It is important that you check out your potential contractor’s history before you hire. Once given the references, give them a call and ask them about the value and quality of the work. You should check some of their previous work. Drive around and get a good look at the work before determining who you will hire.
If you want to save some money when your get a contractor then you should find one that has employees working for them. More workers means the job will be completed quicker, which means lower costs. If you’re working with a sole person, be sure they’re not overcharging you.
Make sure to do your homework is done when looking for a roofing contractor. Don’t hire the cheapest contractor you locate.
Are you environmentally conscious and seeking a new roof? If so, consider a living roof. A living roof provides you with space to plant. Though not all climates will support year-round vegetation, the roof is still very efficient due to its insulating qualities.
If your contractor cannot make time to do the repairs to your roof right away, you may need a temporary fix. Get yourself a sheet of heavy duty plastic and cover the leaking area with it.
When deciding on a contractor to work on your roof, inquire as to how long that company has been in business. A new company is not necessarily bad, but a company with a long history of happy customers is your best and safest bet. A roofer with no track record is pretty suspicious; be aware that such contractors may intend to take advantage of you.
Always be sure that you don’t pay the full amount up front if you don’t have to. You may have to pay around 25% of the amount to get the job started, but avoid paying anything more. You would not want them to do a poor or incomplete work.
If you think you may have a leak, spray your roof with a garden hose. Doing this will help you find out if a leak exists, and will help you figure out where it is. This could save valuable money compared to seeking professional advice.
You never want to climb atop your own roof in search of damaged spots. If you have been having any issues, it is safest to hire someone that can look at it for you. You do not want to avoid walking up there and causing a cave in.
When you’re looking for a roofer, you shouldn’t ignore the small things. Those who show up on schedule and call you as promised are probably fairly reliable. A contractor who provides you with a typed bid demonstrates professionalism on his part. You want your chosen roofer to possess both of these important qualities.
Make sure your roofer has credentials, valid certifications. Nearly every state makes licensing a requirement, so inspect your contractor’s paperwork to ensure that they are fully compliant.
If you’d like your roof to be more environmentally friendly, consider using a coated metal roof. The materials used are completely recyclable, and they can reduce your energy bill considerably. Reduce the amount of waste by installing coated metal roofing over your older asphalt shingles.
A good team can accomplish a job quicker and this usually ends up with a much cheaper final product.
Climbing onto your roof is dangerous. Many roofs are not made with people in mind, so be safe when going on your roof. Wear shoes with a rubber sole to prevent slippage. You should also try to strap on a harness if you have one. It is best to find a friend or a relative who can help you.
Get more than one quote before settling on a roofer. Some contractors are looking for suckers and will try to get every dime out of unsuspecting consumers. To avoid becoming the victim of shoddy work or someone who will rip you off, make sure to do your research.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations when you are looking for a new roofing contractor. Personal experiences of others can be terrific resources for locating good contractors. If you’ve used good contractors for other parts of your home, they may be able to recommend a reliable roofer as well. If nothing else, they should be able to point you in the right direction.
Don’t allow individuals that have demonstrated anything less than professional attitude do any work on the roof of your roof. You need the entire process to remain professional to ensure that you can be sure their work is too.
OSHA dictates that roofing contractors have safety plans. This plan is needed because it helps you to be sure that the project will be completed correctly. Because of this, you shouldn’t hire a roofer unless you know they’ve developed a safety plan. If they don’t, it is likely in your best interest to find a new contractor.
This will prevent any ignorance on your part so that you from roofing contractors who may try to take advantage of uneducated customers.
Before hiring a roofer, ask if the workers used are sub-contractors. If the workers do not work for the company directly, it can create a liability issue. Before you sign the contract, double-check on this.
Ensure that your chosen roofer has completed and acquired all paperwork before starting work. Your contractor might need a permit or bonds before they’ll be able to start working.
Not all roofers are equal in skill, so choose your contractor carefully. Don’t take the one with the fanciest ad. The best advertisement is word of mouth. Read online reviews and speak with friends. Contact the BBB or neighborhood business groups to find out if the contractor has a good reputation. Hiring a sub-par contractor can result in the loss of thousands of dollars.
Determine your roof’s age to see if it needs repairs or full replacement is needed. Your roof’s age is an extremely important factor in determining whether or not it needs to be replaced.
Ensure your roofer has completed and acquired all paperwork before starting work. Your roofer may need a permit or bond prior to them beginning work on your roof. Put in a call to your local building department, and find out what is required.
Roofing Materials
Think about how old your roof is, to know whether you need to have it replace or just get a repair. Figuring out when you should hire a contractor is something that depends on how old your roof is. When your roof is 20 years old, you need to upgrade.
Think about weather in your area before selecting roofing materials.For example, wood shingles are not a good idea if you live in an arid climate. Synthetic roofing materials usually don’t last in hot climates. Metal roofs aren’t ideal for colder conditions.Talk with a specialist to really know that you are making a wise decision.
Use rubber-soled shoes. This can give you a good amount of traction when on a roof. You will get better traction, which reduces the chances of slipping and falling off of the roof. Roofs may be very slippery when you are on them. If you aren’t careful, you may lose your footing.
Don’t ever work on the roof alone.
Stay alert for contractors who are looking to scam you. These false contractors will go door to door in a neighborhood that has been struck by a large storm, hoping to trick people out of lots of money. Most of them travel from state to state and do not have proper licensing or insurance. You can identify them in several ways, most notably through their area code (which won’t be local) and their references.
Watch out for storm chasers! These contractors look for work in neighborhoods that have been recently hit by a major storm. Many are from other states and don’t have no documentation to work on your roof. If their vehicle has magnetic signage, they might be storm chasers.
If your located in a colder climate, be wary of ice building up on the roof. Ice can cause several problems on a roof. Prevent ice damage by installing rain, drip and ice shields. Good ventilation can also help with this.
This will help you move about on the roof without risking slips and falls.
Don’t ever hire a contractor without proof of licensing. Should a problem arise, it will be much harder to receive compensation from an unlicensed contractor. In addition, paying unlicensed contractors over one thousand dollars is even more problematic. This is against the law in the majority of states.
While you may think large trees are great for the look of your property, they are no friend to your roof. Trim back any branches that are near the roof to minimize damage from branches. This will allow you to know that your roof won’t get damaged and keeps the gutters cleaner as well.
Check the weather forecast before starting your roofing project. You will obviously want to avoid rain but wind can be a dangerous condition, as well. Wind can knock you right off the roof.
Don’t agree to any decisions based on an over-the-phone quote because the final expenses will always be substantially different. These quotes are being used to attract business.
Get at least three quotes from roofers. Ask about what services and materials are covered in the price estimate, then compare the results. This allows you to make a better decision. It’s extra effort, but it can save you both time and money in the long run.
Cleaning the gutters often is great for roof maintenance. Clogged gutters lead to roof from doing its job and can result in leaks. Make it a point to clear gutters are cleaned monthly.
Do everything you can to maintain your roof. In most instances, the roof is a big part of your home’s exterior. If you try to sell a home and prospective buyers see a worn and old roof, they may go buy from someone else.
Select roofing materials that will work well with the design of your home. Dark colored shingles often look best on a steep roofs. This will make your house look more inviting. If there is a shallow pitch, look for materials that are lighter in color. This should make your home to appear taller.
Your roof should be inspected annually to ensure it is in optimum shape. No matter if you use a roofing contractor or inspect it yourself; a yearly check-up is a must if you want to keep your roof in good shape. By neglecting to do this, your roof is prone to damage, which can become serious over time.
Most homeowners know they need a tightly sealed roof. How do you keep it that way? Fortunately, you have some helpful information at your fingertips.
